Reaching Men of Means and Influence
487
Avoid Sharp Arguments—Great men, learned men, can be
reached better by the simplicity of a godly life than by all the sharp
arguments that may be poured upon them. Good impressions will be
given when religion is full of vitality which will give life and progress.
Where the precious seed of truth finds lodgment in the heart, through
the workings of the Spirit of Christ the receiver will discover the sin-
fulness of human passions, vanities, ignorance. All these must be
cleansed from the soul temple and the grace of God become an abid-
ing principle. Then all the principles of truth bloom in the garden of
God—humility, meekness, patience, and love.—
Letter 6b, 1890
.
Present Truth in Figures and Parables—The truth is to be pre-
sented in various ways. Some in the higher walks of life will grasp it as
it is presented in figures and parables.—
Medical Ministry, 318
(1905).
Drawn by the Simplicity of the Gospel—Even the great men are
more easily drawn by the simplicity of the gospel than by any effort
made in human power. We need more of God and far less of self. God
[558]
will work through the weakest human agent who is charged with His
Spirit.—
Letter 72, 1899
.
The Talent of Intellect and Means—We are to do special work
for those who are in high positions of trust. The Lord calls upon those
to whom He has entrusted His goods, to use in His service their talents
of intellect and of means. Some will be impressed by the Holy Spirit
to invest the Lord’s means in a way that will advance His work. They
will fulfill His purpose, by helping to create centers of influence in our
large cities. Our workers should represent before these men a plain
statement of our needs. Let them know what we need in order to help
the poor and needy and to establish the work on a firm basis.—
Medical
Ministry, 329
(1900).
Work for Men Like Cornelius—From the case of Cornelius we
may learn a lesson that we would do well to understand. The God of
heaven sends His messengers to this earth to set in operation a train of
circumstances which will bring Peter into connection with Cornelius,
that Cornelius may learn the truth. Through angel ministration Peter is
brought into cooperation with the inquiring souls who have all things
in readiness to hear the truth and receive advanced light....
The conversion of Cornelius and his household was only the first
fruits of a harvest to be gathered in from the world. From this house-